Adam Mosseri testified Tuesday that Instagram did not intentionally conceal information about low usage of teen safety features. The testimony marks the first time a top Meta executive has taken the stand in a lawsuit filed by 29 US states.
Mosseri denied allegations from prosecutors that Meta deliberately hid negative findings from the public during a California courtroom hearing. "I am not trying to encourage my team to hide anything," the Instagram CEO stated.
The testimony comes as part of a major antitrust and consumer protection lawsuit against Meta. The case, brought by 29 US states, centers on Meta's practices regarding teen safety features and their effectiveness on Instagram and Facebook.
At issue is whether Meta downplayed or concealed data showing that certain teen safety tools saw minimal adoption or use among the platform's young users. Prosecutors have questioned whether the company adequately informed the public about the limited real-world impact of these features.
Mosseri's appearance represents an escalation in the legal proceedings, with state attorneys seeking to establish whether Meta prioritized growth and engagement metrics over transparent communication about youth safety. The case is being closely watched by regulators and advocacy groups focused on social media's effect on minors.
Meta has faced mounting scrutiny over how it addresses teen mental health and safety on its platforms. Previous internal documents, known as the "Facebook Papers," revealed concerns within the company about negative effects on young users.
The trial underscores ongoing tension between Meta's business interests and regulatory demands for greater transparency. The outcome could set precedent for how social media companies must disclose safety-related data to regulators and the public.
Mosseri has led Instagram since 2018 and reports directly to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. His testimony is expected to continue, with prosecutors likely to press further on internal communications and decision-making processes around teen safety features.
The case is among several major legal challenges facing Meta, including FTC antitrust actions and ongoing investigations into the company's market dominance and acquisition strategy.
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